Talk Tuesday…A Series on Seasons of Change (Blog 11 – New Things)

Every Tuesday we engage in one big question, topic or idea. You are invited to write in with a suggestion you want to share. I surely do not have all the answers but know that together we can generate some great conversation and have fun in the process. (Feel free to post your topics, questions, and your great thoughts in the comments below!) Together, we will stay informed and equipped about topics that matter!

Today’s Blog Contributor:

Kellyann Bowman

Kellyann Bowman lives in the Greater Seattle area with her teenage daughter. She is founder and director of a non-profit organization focused on meeting immediate needs and building community. She’s following God’s call on her life to help people live unchained lives, free to fully follow God through writing, teaching and speaking. You can find more blogs by Kellyann at inextricablyreliant.com.

New Things

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19

New is fun and exciting…most of the time. However, the moments before the new arrives can be terribly challenging and a deep testing of our faith. This verse in Isaiah invites us to stand in the space between old and new and have faith that God can be trusted and that new is here, even when we can’t see it.

This time last year I walked away from a 20-plus year career to follow the way God was speaking to my heart. It’s been a year like I’ve never had and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Yet, now I see my savings account down below where I would like and I’m forced to stand in this space holding what I see as truth, my bank account, and what I know as truth, God’s provision. God is in the habit of clearing the brush in the wilderness and entering a river in the desert, the question is: do I believe God loves me enough to truly do a new thing in my life?

Like most people who follow God, I’m desperate for the amazing in my life and I want to see Him work in awesome ways where my only answer is to glorify His name. And like most people who follow God, I’m uncertain He’s paying attention and knows my current situation and therefore, uncertain He will provide. It’s a terrible and wonderful place to stand. Terrible because it’s a painful faith and wonderful because you are alive to all of the possibilities.

As I read this verse in Isaiah this morning, knowing that my bank account is getting uncomfortable and believing that God has already started the new thing that will be the river of provision for me, I’m scared. I deeply want to feel seen and loved by God and I deeply doubt that I am. That’s a hard sentence to see on my screen. It makes me cry and also cry out, “God, help me in my unbelief!” In this space, I have to face the chains that still bind me and keep me from a deeper relationship with God.

I don’t know where you are in life today. I don’t know what wilderness you need cleared or river to appear and I do know this…God is starting something new today, can’t you feel it? Right now, God is inviting you to take Him at His word and trust that He is able to overcome your challenge and even better, He wants to! This invitation is large because it begs you to not focus on the challenge, rather, focus on the God who is bringing newness. Look up! Get excited! Be filled with this amazing hope that God does see you and He deeply, deeply loves you and wants you to be filled with faith in Him.

If you need a prayer partner, email me at jesusreliant@gmail.com

Live in God’s love, grace, peace and mercy fully looking for the new thing that is springing up today!

We would love to hear your thoughts on “New Things”, please don’t hesitate to share your stories or comments below.

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